adj
moderate
MO-duh-ruht
adj
1
Neither too much nor too little; reasonable in amount or degree.
"Moderate exercise most days is better than occasional intense workouts."
"The forecast calls for moderate rain this afternoon."
2
Holding political views that are not extreme; centrist.
"The moderate candidate appealed to voters on both sides."
verb
1
To make something less extreme or intense.
"She tried to moderate her tone during the heated discussion."
2
To preside over or oversee a debate, panel, or discussion.
"A journalist moderated the presidential debate."
How to Use Moderate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishReasonable and not extreme — whether describing an amount, a political position, or a calmer version of something.
Common pairings
moderate amount
political moderate
moderate a debate
moderate the pace
Word Forms
more moderate comparative, moderated past tense, moderates plural, moderates singular, most moderate superlative
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_____ exercise most days is better than occasional intense workouts.
Etymology
From Latin moderatus ("kept within measure"), from the same root as "mode" and "modest."